Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-07-08

Il appears that President Cleveland sent
two letters To Mayor Francis concerning his
proposed visit To ST Louis. One Of these
letters showing some consideration and
sense-is printed elsewhere in these col
umns. In the other. which shows neith'
consideration nor sense. We find the follow -
ing:
Immediately upon the public announce
ment of this conclusion, expressions ema-
mating from certain important members of
the Grand Army of the Republic and in
creasing in volume and virulence con-
strained me to review MY acceptance of
these invitations. The expressions referred
TO go TO the extent of declaring that would
be an unwelcome guest at the time and
place of the national encampment. This
statement is based as well a. | can Judge.
upon certain official acts of mine. involving
important public interests. done under the
restraints and obligations of my oath of
Office, which do not appear 10 accord
with the wishes of some members
of the Grand Army of the Re
public. | refuse To believe that this
organization, founded upon patriotic ideas.
composed very largely of men entitled Ia
lasting honor and consideration. and whose
crowning glory il should be- that they are
American citizens as well as veteran sol
diers, deems ii part of its mission to con-
pass any object or purpose by attempting
to intlmidate the executive or coerCe Il oS
charged with making and executing the
laws. And yet the expressions to which |
have referred Indicate such prevalence of
UnfrieDdly feeling and such a menare Ia an
occasion viii h should be 10 mOuious.
peaceful and cordial. ulat .uey can
not be ignored. beg yOu 10 I'M
derstand that | am not conscious ot any
act of mine which should make me fear to
meet the Grand Army of the Republic. OF
any other assemblage of my fellow citizens.
The account of my official Stewardship is
always ready for presentation 10 my coun-
trymen. | should not be frank if | failed
10 confess, while disclaiming all resent
ment. that have been hurt by the unwor-
thy and wanton attacks upon me growing
out of this matter. and the reckless manner
in which my actions and motives have been
miSrepresented. both publicly and private
ly, for which. however. the Grand Army
Of the Republic, As body, is by no means
responsible.
The threats of personal violence and
harm in case undertake the trip in queS-
ton, which scores of misguided. unbalanced
men uBder the stimulation of excited feel
iRg have made. are not even considered.
Rather than abandon my visit IN the west
and diSappnint your citizens, might if
alone were concerned. submit to the insult
Ia which il is quite openly asserted | would
be helpleSSiy subjected il present at the en-
campmpnt: but should bear with me there
the peoples highest Office, the dignity of
which | must protect: and | believe that
neither the Grand Army of the Republic. aS
an organization. nor anything like a ma
inrity OF its members. would ever enConr-
age any scandalous attacks upon it. II.
however. among the membership of this
body there are some. a certainly seems Ia
BE- the ease, determined 10 denuunce me
and my official acrs at the ma
tional encampment. | believe they
should be permitted Ia do 50 unre-
strained by my presence As guest of IN ar
organization. or as a guest of the hosptable
city in which their meeting is held. A
number OF Grand Army posts have signi-
ted their intention. | am informed. Ia re-
main away from the encampment in case
visit the city al that time. Without con
>idering the merit of such an eNcuse. ! feel
that | ought No; Ia be the cause of such
nOnattendance. The time and place of the
encampment were fixed long before my in
vitations were received. These desiring 10
participate in its proceedings should be FIRST
regarded. and nothing should be permitted
10 interfere with their intentions.
Mr.. Cleveland must have written this
letter with his tongue hanging out and
waving in the air and both fee, in his
month